Microphoto apparatus



Feb. 20, 1945. REYMERS 2,369,981

MICRO PHOTO APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. JAME'J A. 25 r/v/aes.

2 1945- J. A. REYNIERS MICRO PHOTO APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 22, 1942 .k/A MES 4 EEYN/EPS.

BY ezzmmm Patented Feb. 20, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mrcnorno'ro APPARATUS James A. Reyniers, Niles Mich: Application April 22, 1942, Serial No. 439,990

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in microphoto apparatus. and more particularly to apparatus by means of which a plurality of small images may be photographically recorded in a regular geometric arrangement upon a fiat film, and by which a selected image on such a film may be placed in register with a lens for projection upon a screen to be viewed.

Current practice of microphotography entails the use of strip film for microcopy. Images are generally recorded on the strip in one row extending longitudinally of the film. and the film may be of any length necessary to record the images to be grouped together. This practice has various disadvantages. including difiiculty in handling and storing the film and in locating a particular image on the film to which reference is desired. The use of microfilm by libraries. banks, brokerage ofiices. govemment. departments, etc., for conveniently recording items, such as rare books, cancelled checks. purchase orders, legal papers, etc., makes the facility and rapidity of locatin individual images on the film a matter of greatest importance to the successful use of the microfilm.

For the purpose of convenience in handling and filing or storin and also in locating images, I propose to utilize a. fiat film of substantially card size upon which a plurality of images may be recorded in rows wherein the images are aligned both longitudinally and transversely of the film. Such a film is illustrated in my co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 391,904, filed May 5, 1941'.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide a novel device by means of which a plurality of images may-be successively and automatically recorded on a film in predetermined uniformly spaced relation. i

A further object is to provide a device of this character provided with means for automatically advancing a film step-by-step in a zigzag or sinuous path with reference to the lens system of a camera or of a reader or viewer.

A further object is to provide adevice of this character having a film carriage with means for automatically advancing a film step by step in a predetermined path, means for rendering said advancing means inoperative, and means for shifting said carriage independently of said advancing means.

A further object is to provide a device of this character with film advancing means including a plurality of operating mechanisms, an lectrical control unit including a plurality of parallel circuits each controlling one of said mechanisms,

movement of said film advancing means in a predetermined path.

A further object is to provide a device of this character having a film carriage and means for shifting said film carriage step by step in a path extending back and forth across the device.

A further object is to provide a device of this character having means for advancing a film mounting carriage step by step in longitudinal direction, means for shifting the film carriage transversely one step when the same reaches each end of its longitudinal movement in the device, and means controlled by said last named means for reversing the direction ofv longitudinal movement of the film carriage at each end of its longitudinal movement in the device.

A further object is to provide a device of this character having-a movable film carrier, means for engaging and accurately positioning a film in said carrier for accurate focusing of a fixed lens thereon, and means actuated automatically upon movement of the carrier for momentarily shifting said first means to inoperative position spaced from said film.

A further object is to provide a device of this character wherein a film is shifted step by step with reference to a lens system, with means for Y accurately and precisely positioning the portion of the film adjacent the lens system to insure proper focus of the lens relative to the film.

Other objects will be apparent from the description, drawings, and appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the film advancing means. i

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken online 3-3 of Fig. 2, with the film carriage removed.

Fig.4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view similar to Fig. 3 with the film carriage in operative' relation in the device.

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the film advancing means.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the device taken on line 6--6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on line 7-1 of Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram of the device.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a film holder.

' tom adjacent its ends.

approximately one half the width of the housing Fig. is a fragmentary plan view of a modifled embodiment of film-engaging member.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the film-engaging member taken on line ll-ll of Flg lfl. I

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, the numeral designates a film advancing means mounted on a hollow standard H which includes a base I2 and upright walls 13. One of the upright walls l3 may have an opening I4 therein through which material to be photographed may be inserted into the housing for support on the base l2. Where the device is to be used as a reader or viewer, it will be understood that a screen (not shown) may be positioned upon the base 12 to be viewed through the opening l4.

The film advancing means In preferably comprises a housing 15 open at its bottom and having a slot l5 in one end thereof through which a film holder may be inserted within the device. A substantially cylindrical housing portion 11 preferably provided with radial cooling fins l8 projects from the top of the housing to mount a conventional light bulb l9 adapted to be energized when the device is used .as a reader;

Switch is mounted on the housing and serves to control the light bulb is. An extension cord 2| projects from the housing l5 and mounts a switch 22 for control of the film advancing means. I The construction of the. film advancing mechanism I 0 is best illustrated in Figs. 3 to 7, in-

clusive. A rectangular frame is fixedly mountedhorizontally within the housing "5 at a level slightly below the slot l5. The frame comprises front bar 23, rear' bar 24 and longitudinal bar with a vertical wall of housing I5, and longitudinal bar spaced from the remaining wall of the housing. A plate 21 of a length to span the end bars 23 and 24 of the frame, is provided with transverse-guides 2 8 projecting from its bot: Plate 21 is of a width 15 and is shiftable transversely of the housing guided by the sliding engagement of the outer edges of the guides 25 with the frame members 25 and 24. At its opposite sides the plate 21 is provided with'longitudinal guides 29 projecting upwardly therefrom. Plate 21 is provided with an elongated transverse opening 30 therein positioned directly below the bulb IS. A transverse member 3| depends from plate 21 intermediate its ends and spaced from opening 30. Transverse member 3| carries a transverse horizontal rack 32.

A film carriage 33 is longitudinally shiftable of the same size as the opening in carriage 33.

The inner margin of the frame is stepped at 4! to support the margin of a film 42 spanning the opening and positioned between the planes v of the opposite faces of theframe. Film 42 will best serve if provided with an emulsion of fine grain capable of recording minute details. A

backing sheet 43 is marginally secured or adhered to the frame member 35. The frame member 39 is preferably of a thickness to fit snugly between the base 34 and ribs 31 of carriage 33. It will be understood that the slot 15 is so positioned in housing l5 that a film holder as illustrated in Fig. 9 may be inserted in the film carriage 33 when that carriage is positioned adjacent the slot 15, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6.

A wide fiat plate 44 extends transversely between the longitudinal frame members 25 and 25. Plate 44 has a screw threaded opening formed therein in substantially coaxial relation to the light bulb l9, and adapted to removably mount a suitable lens mount whose uppe ed D stricted opening 41 therein which registers with 25 each preferably positioned in engagement said housing.

upon the plate 21. Carriage 33 comprises a, base plate 34 having an opening 35 therein of substantially the dimension of the film to be used with the device. As best shown in Fig.4 this opening is preferably rectangular and the width thereof is equal to the length of the elongated passage 35 in the plate 21. Guides 36 extend longitudinally at the opposite sides-of base plate 34 and project upwardly therefrom for sliding engagement with the guides 29 of the base plate-21. At their upper .ends the guides 35 are provided with inwardly projecting ribs 31 adapted to slidably receive a suitable film holder. An elongated rack 38 is carried by one of the guides 36 and extends longitudinally thereof.

the opening 30 in plate 21. It will be understood that a number of plates 45 may be provided for use with the device, each having an opening 41 of a different size than the others. The openings 41 determine the size of the image to be recorded on the film when the device is used as a camera, but may be slightly larger than said image for purposes to be set forth, if the object to be photographed is mounted on a black background provided on basel2.

Lens mount 45 has an opening therein adapted to rotatably receive a rod 49 journaled in bearings 50 carried by the bottom face of plate 44, and extending transversely of the device. The portion of rod 49 within the lens mount 45 is bent perpendicularly inwardly to provide a normally horizontal arm 5|, and its inner end is bent upwardly to provide a film-engaging finger 52, Finger 52 passes through the opening 41 in plate 46 at one side thereof, and also through of the object to be photographed is recorded.

The outer end of rod 49 terminates adjacent one side of the housing I 5, and said rod is bent to provide arm 54 extending toward the front of Intermediate its ends, arm 54 bears upon the plunger 55 of a micrometer 55 adjusted by a. hand knob 51 extending exteriorly of the housing 15. A coil spring 58 is connected ,with the forward end of arm 54 and extends downwardly therefrom for connection with the lower portion of the housing l5. Spring serves to position the arm 54 firmly into engagement with the plunger 55 of micrometer 55 to accu- "rately adjust the position of film engaging fin- Any suitable film holder may be mounted in the film carriage '33. An illustrative film holder ger 52. An elongated lever 59 is pivoted at 50 to a lug 5| projecting upwardly from the housing of the micrometer 55. Lever 55 extends in substantially parallel spaced relation to arm 54 and terminates at its inner end in a perpendicular arm 52 underlying arm 54. Lever 59 isconnested with the plunger 53 of a solenoid 84 at its outer end. It will be observed that when the solenoid 64 is energized to shift its'plunger 52 aaeaoar downwardly, the lever 89 is tilted about the point 88 to raise the arm 82 thereof and thereby raise the arm 54 of rod 49 against the action of the spring 58. Thereupon, rod 89 is rotated to cause.

the finger 52 thereof within the lens mount to move bodily downwardly out of engagement with the film 42 to accommodate movement of the film to a new position. Thus. finger 52 normally film exposed and in register with the opening 41- is held in flat position to prevent distortion of the images when recorded. If desired, a cam 58 may be journaled in the housing I for engagement with the arm 58 for tilting said arm independently of solenoid 84, to release finger 52, as when the film holder is applied and removed, and when the film carriage is manually adjusted.

A pair of transversely extending horizontal bars 85 and 88 are fixedly mounted within the housing I5 in vertical alignment spaced rearwardly from bar 44. The upper bar 85 is spaced below the lower level of the main frame 23- -28, and the lower bar 88 is positioned adjacent the bottom edge of the housing. A vertical shaft 81 is journaled in the bars 85 and 88 and a ratchet wheel 88 is removably mounted on the lower end of said shaft and below the lower bar 88. An elongated arm 89 is pivoted at one end upon the shaft 81 and is positioned between the 1 ratchet wheel 88 and the bar 85. A vertical stud 18 is carried by the free end of the arm 89 in spaced relation to the periphery of the ratchet wheel 88 and pivotally mounts at its lower end a pawl 1| which has a laterally'projecting nose 12' adapted to V engage the periphery of the ratchet wheel 58. A coil spring 18, secured at its opposite ends to the arm 89 and the pawl II, serves to urge the nose 12 of pawl 1I into engagement with the ratchet wheel.

An elongated horizontal arm 14 extends transversely of housing I5 and is pivoted at its inner end upon a shaft I5 whose ends are secured to the bars 85 and 88 substantially centrally thereof. A U-shaped retainer 18 projects laterally from the arm 15 intermediate its ends and extends around the stud. 18. An elongated coil spring '11 is connected at one end with the outer end of the arm 18 and at its opposite end to 9. Din 18 carried by housing I 5 forwardl of bars 85-88. Intermediate its ends, the arm 14 is pivotally connected with a link 19 which is pivoted to the outer end of the armature 88 of a solenoid 8I. Therefore, when the solenoid 8I is energized, the arm 18 is pivoted against the action of the spring 11, whereby the retainer 18 shifts the stud 18 to pivot the arm 89 and bodilymove the pawl H for rotation of the ratchet wheel 88. The throw of the solenoid is of an extent to limit the movement of the arm 14 to that point necessary to advance the ratchet wheel 88 one step, that is, through an angle equal to the spacing between the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A dashpot 82 is positioned alongside the solenoid M and between the same and the outer wall of the housing. The stem 83 of the dashpot is connected by a. link 84 with the outer end of arm 14. Hence, the movement of the parts is cushioned by the dashpot to avoid impacts or jarring of the parts which would otherwise occur, together with resultant vibration which would be detrimental to the proper operation of the device,

The upper end of the shaft 81 mounts a bevel gear 85 spaced above the cross bar 85. A transverse shaft 88 is journaled in the frame members 25 and 28 above the upper end of the shaft 81 and has a sleeve 81 slidable thereon and keyed thereto. Bevel gears 88 and 89 are formed at the opposite ends of the sleeve 81, and gear 85 is adapted to mesh with either of said gears 88 and 89 as selected by the position of sleeve 81. A stop 98 is fixed on the shaft 88 spaced from the sleeve 81, and an expansion coil spring 9I encircles shaft 88 and bears against the stop 98 and the .end of sleeve 81 to normally urge the gear 89 to position meshing with gear 85. One end of shaft 88 extends outwardly of the housing I5, and mounts an indicating disc 88'. Adjacent its opposite end the shaft 88 mounts a gear 92 posi-' tioned within the housing I5 and between the housing and the frame member- 28. Gear 92 meshes with a gear 93 mounted on a stud shaft 9| journaled in the housing wall. Gear 93 inturn meshes with gear 95 fixedly mounted on the end of an elongated gear 98 having studs 91 at its ends journaled in the opposite walls of housing I5. Gear 98 spans the housing I5 and meshes with the rack 38 of film carriage 33.

From the above it-will be observed that on actuation of the solenoid 8I, the ratchet wheel The direction in which the shaft as and gears 92, 93, 95, and 98 are rotated, and the direction in which the rack 38 and the film carriage 33 are moved depends on which of the gears 88 and 89 mesh with the gear 85. The position of gears 88 and 89 is controlled by a solenoid 91' mounted within the housing I5. A cylinder 98 is mounted onthe end of the plunger of said solenoid. An arm 99 extends into cylinder 98 and has a head I88 within said cylinder upon which an expansion coil spring IIII presses. The outer-end of the cylinder 98 has an inturned flange I82 against which the opposite end of the spring I8I engages to normally urgethe arm 99 in the direction of the solenoid 91'. Arm 99 has pivoted thereto at I83 8.

longitudinally extending arm I84 which is pivoted at I to a transverse bar I88 positioned forwardly of the bars 85 and 88. The inner edge of the bar I84 bears against the outer face of the gear 88. Thus, when the solenoid 91' is actuated to pull its core inwardly, the arm 99 serves to pivot the bar I88 and slide the sleeve 81 against the action of spring 9| to bring the gear 88 into mesh with the gear 85. Thus, assuming that the gear 85 normally meshes with the. gear 89, it will be observed that actuation of the solenoid 91' serves to shift gear 88 into mesh with gear 85.

' and thereby reverse direction of the rotation of the shaft 88 and its associated ears for the purpose of reversing the direction of movement of the film carriage 33.

A transverse horizontal bar I81 spans the housing I5 adjacent the lower end thereof and directly below the bar I88. Bars I88 and I81 journal a vertical shaft I88 which mounts a gear I89 at its upper end above the bar I88. I Gear I89 meshes with the transverse rack 32 projecting below the transversely slidable plate 21 of the naled in an upright H3 carried by crossbar I01, and the opposite end of shaft H2 extends through and is journaled in the housing I5 and mounts an indicating disc H4 exteriorly of said housing.

At its lower end shaft I08 fixedly mounts a ratchet wheel H5. One end of an elongated wall and mounts a. hand piece I45.

, mounts a plurality of cams.

81 and the direction of rotation of shaft 33 and associated parts.

A shaft I44 extends transversely of and is journaled in the opposite walls of housing H5 between the pairs of bars 35,88 and I03, I01. One end of the shaft I 44 projects through the housing Shaft I44 A cam I43, having an (and cam surface, is adapted for engagement on rotation of 180 from normal position, with a finger I41 carried by pawl 1I. Thus, referring to Fig. 5, which shows the operative position of plate H3 is pivoted on shaft I08 between ratchet wheel H5 and bar I01. Plate H5 in-turn pivotally mounts a pair of pawls H1 and H8 about axis H9. Springs I are connected at one end to the plate H3 and at their opposite ends to the pawls'l I1 and H8. The nose projections I2I of pawl H1 and I22 of pawl H8 are spaced apart whereby, when one thereof engages one of the teeth of ratchet wheel H5, the other will be positioned intermediate said teeth. Springs I20 urge the pawls I I1 and I I8'into engagement with the ratchet wheel H5.

A cylinder I23 is pivoted to plate H6 at I24 and contains a coil spring encircling one end of a rod I25 having a head against which said spring bears to normally urge the rod I25 inwardly of said cylinder. Rod I25 is pivoted at I23 to an arm I21 pivoted on shaft 15 and extending transversely in the housing in opposite relation to arm 14. The outer end of arm I21 is connected with an elongated coil spring I28 which is con.- nected to a stud I28 secured to one of the side walls of the housing I5 forwardlyof bar I01. Arm I21 has a link I30 pivoted'thereto at I3I and in turn pivotally connected at I32 to the stem I33 of a solenoid I34. A dashpot I35 is positioned alongside solenoid I34, and stem I38 of said dashpot is pivotally connected by link I31 with the outer end of arm I21.

Therefore, it will be observed that upon each operation of the solenoid I34. the arm I21 will be pivoted rearwardly, thereupon pivoting the plate H8 through the interconnecting spring cylinder and rod assembly I23, I25. The angular throw of the plate H3 is equal'to substantially one. half the angular displacement between ad- .J'acent teeth of the ratchet wheel H5. Thus,

assuming that the nose I2 I of the pawl H1. has been engaged with a tooth of ratchet'wheel H5 during the movement of plate H3, the wheel H5 will be advanced thereby to a position wherein, upon return of plate H3 to normal inoperative position, the nose I22 of pawl I I8 will bear against the shoulder of the next adjacent counterrotational ratchet tooth.

A pawl I38 is pivoted at I38 to bar I01 at the side of the ratchet wheel H5 opposite the pawls H1-H 3. Few! I38 has a spring I40 connected therewith and in turn connected with the bar I01 for normally urging the nose I4I of said pawl into engagement with the periphery of the ratchet wheel H5. Pawl I38 is provided with a projection I42 which extends adjacent a switch I43. The pawl I38 is so positioned relative to switch I43 that as the ratchet wheel. H5 is advanced one half step by each operation of solenoid I34,

its nose will alternately rest on the large and the parts, it will be observed that the finger I41 is normally spaced from the cam I43 to permit free play of the pawl H, and spring pressed engagement thereof with the ratchet wheel 38.

Switch I43 serves to control solenoid 91 for the i purpose of controlling the position of gear sleeve When cam I43 is rotated 180, it will bear upon the end of finger I41 and longitudinally displace the same against action of spring 13, whereby the nose 12 of said pawl is held in a position clear of the ratchet wheel 38. This permits free rotation of the shaft 83 by means of the indicia disc 88' for the purpose of adjusting the longitudinal position of the film carriage 33 within the housing. A disc I48 is eccentrically mounted upon the shaft I44 adjacent the pawls H1 and H8 and is provided with an end cam surface I49. Member I48 is normally positioned as illustrated in Fig. 5 for engagement with a shoulder I50 on a lockinglever I5I which is pivoted at I52 to bar 36. Upon 180 rotation of shaft I44, the locking lever I5I is swung to the .dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 5' by spring I53 which is connected thereto at one end and to the bar 83 at the other end. In its dotted line position, the locking lever I5I engages the free ends of pawls H1 and H8 to swing the same to the dotted line position in Fig. 5 against the action of the springs I20, thereby releasing pawls H1 and H8 from the ratchet wheel I I5. Thus, shaft I08 may be freely rotated in one direction by manipulation of the indicating disc H4 on shaft H2,'for the purpose of adjusting the transverse position of the plate 21 within the housing I5. A switch I54 is suit ably mounted on the bar I01 for engagement by cam I48 when the shaft I44 is in releasing position for the purpose of breaking the operating circuit of the device. A'disc I55 is mounted on the shaft I44 adjacent the pawl I38 and has an end cam surface-adapted, upon rotation of shaft I44 to releasing position, for engagement with said pawl to hold the same clear of the ratchet wheel H5. Hence, it will be observed that rotation of the shaft I08 by wheel H4 is accommodated in either direction without interference from pawls H1, H8, and I38. I

A switch I56 is positioned'above the dashpot 82 and has a spring contact arm I51 which extends adjacent to but spaced from the inner face of the gear 92. Spring arm I51 is so positioned as to be engaged by an eccentrically positioned projection I58 on the inner face of the gear 95 1 for. engagement and actuation of the spring arm I51 of switch I53 once during each complete 360 rotation of the gear 92. A switch I59 is mounted on the rear wall of the housing I5 adjacent the cylinder 98. Switch I59 has a spring arm I adapted for engagement by projection IGI upon the cylinder 98 when said cylinder is in retracted position during the time solenoid 91' is energized. Below the switch I59 and substantially centrally of the rear wall of the housing I5 is mounted a switch I32 whichhas a pair of spring arms I83 and I34 projecting forwardly therefrom at opposite sides thereof. An elongated longitupole, doub e throw switch I43.

dinally extending arm I65 has an inturned end portion normally spaced from the spring arm I63. Arm I65 is rigidly carried by the pivoted arm 14, whereby operation of arm 14 serves to shift arm I65 into engagement with spring I63-of switch I62. A similar elongated arm I66 is fixedly carried by pivoted arm I21 and terminates adjacent the spring I64 of switch I62, whereby, upon operation of arm I21, arm I66 engages the spring I64 of switch I62. A pair of switches I61 and I68 are dispositioned transversely between the inner ends of the solenoids 8| and I34 in superimposed longitudinally staggered relation. Switch I61 has a spring I68 extending longitudinally therefrom and positioned adjacent an arm I16 projecting laterally from pivoted arm 14, whereby arm I16 engages switch arm I66 of switch I61 on actuation of solenoid 8I. Switch I68 has a longitudinally projecting spring arm Ill extending opposite the end of an arm I12 carried by pivoted arm I21, whereby, upon operation of solenoid I34 to pivot arm I21, the arm I12 engages the spring I1I of the switch I68.

On the front wall of the housing I5 is mounted a relay coil I13 controlling a pair of switches I14 and I15. A switch I16 is mounted adjacent solenoid 64 and has a spring arm I11 projecting adjacent the end of lever 58 for engagement by said lever upon actuation of said solenoid 64. A relay coil I18 is mounted on the front wall of the housing I5 and controls a double pole, single throw switch I 16. Relay coil I86 is-mounted adjacent the front wall of the housing and controls a double pole, single throw switch I8I. Each of the relays I13, I18 and I86 and their associated switches is mounted on a suitable base I82 carried by the front wall of the housing and including upright switch-supporting plate portion I83 and coil-supporting portion I84.

Referring to Fig. .8 which illustrates the wiring diagram of the device, the lines are designated I65 and I86. switch 22 leads from line I85, and a line I81, from switch 22 extends to relay I13. A lead I88 extends from relay I13 to normally closed switch I66. A lead I68 connects normally closed switch I66 in series with normally closed switch I61. A lead I86 connects normally closed switch I61 in series with normally closed switch I54. A lead I8I extends from switch I54 to line I86. Switches I14 and I16 associated with relay I13 are connected with lead I61. A by-pass lead I82 extends from lead 2I to the normally open terminal of switch I14. A leadl63 extends from the normally open terminal of switch I15 to solenoid 64. A lead I85 extendsfrom solenoid 64 to line I66. Alead I86 extends from line I65 to the normally open terminal of switch I16, and a lead I 81 extends from switch I16 to single pole, double. throw switch I56. The normall closed terminal of switch I56 is connected by lead I86 with single The normally closed terminal of switch I43 is connected by lead I86 with relay coil I16. Lead 266 connects relay coil I16 with line I66. Double pole, single throw switch I18 associated with coil I18 is connected with lead I86. One terminal of switch I18 is connected by lead "I with line I81.- The other terminal of switch I18 is connected by lead I84 with. line I65. Switch I16 is connected by lead Extension cord 2| carrying control is connected by lead. 265 with lead I86. The other terminal of switch I62 is connected by lead 266 with relay coil I86, which in turn is connected I lows:

by lead 261 to lead 266. Double pole,,slngle throw switch I8I associated with coil I66 is connected with lead 266. One terminal of switch I6I is connected by lead 268 with lead I81. The other terminal of switch I 8| is connected by lead 266 withline I85. Lead 2I6 extends from switch I8I to solenoid I34, which in turn is connected by lead 2 with line I66.

The normally open terminal of switch I46 is connected by lead 2I2 with solenoid 81', which in turn is'connected by lead .2I3 with line I66. A-lead 2| 4 branches from lead 213 to switch I66. A lead 2I5 extends from they normally open terminal of switch I58 to lead I88.

The use and operation of the device is as fol- Assuming that a film holder 38 has been inserted in the film carriage 33,-the film carriage '33 and the plate 21 are first set in starting posiand suitable lights (not shown) within the standard II are energized. The shutter operator (not shown) of the camera, which will preferably be associated withthe lens mount 45 inthe manner well understood in the art, is then actuated to record a microphotograph of the object upon the film 42 at the corner portionthereof. Thereupon, the switch 22 is' energized for'the purpose' of shifting the film to expose to the lens system through the restricted opening 41 the film portion upon which the next image is to be recorded. Referring to Fig. 8, it will be observed that closing of switch 22 energizes relay coil I13 to close the switches I14 an I15. Switch I14 closes the circuit through by-pass lead I82, and switch I16.

lead I88, which is connected with single pole,

double throw switch I43; which is normally closed at the terminal connected'with lead I86, which is connected with. relay coil I18, and lead 266, to line I86. Actuation of relay coil I16 serves to close the double pole, single throw switch I16 to by-pass the relay coil I16 at line 26I, and to V close a circuit from line I through lead I64 .to lead 262, solenoid 6|, and lead 266, to line I66.

Actuation of solenoid 6I serves to open the normally closed switch I61 in the line connecting rela coil I13 with line I66 andconsisting of lead I88, switch I66, lead I68, switch I61, lead I86, switch I54, and lead "I.

Actuation of solenoid 6I pivots the arm with it the stud 16 engaged by retainer 16 on said arm. The movement of stud 16 pivots the arm 68 and shifts the pawl 1I engaging the ratchet wheel 68 to advance the ratchet wheel 66 one 262 with solenoid 6I, which in turn is connected with line I66 by lead 263. j

The normally open terminalof switch'I56 is connected by lead 264 with single pole, double throw switch I62. One terminal of switch I62 step, i. e.. through an. angle equal to theangle between adjacent teeth of said wheel. 'fliis par- 'tial rotation of ratchet wheel 66 partially rotates hare," and-. ear 65,, The partial rotation of gear as is transmitted: that one of the gears 14 rearwardly against the action of spring 11, and shifts ratchet wheel us.

the operation of solenoid 8| causes arm I10 pro.-

jecting fromarm 14 to engage the spring .contact I88 of normally closed switch I81 to break the operatingcircuit and deenergize coil I18, so that accidental repetition of operation of the device is positively prevented. Also, arm I85 engages projection I83 or switch I82 to maintain said switch in the position illustrated in Fig. 8. Thereupon, the camera shutter may be actuated to photograph another object which has been placed on base I2.

The sequence of operations above described continues or is repeated each time control switch 22 is closed until one complete row of photographs'has been recorded longitudinally along one side of film 42. When the last position in the row is reached, cam projection I58 upon gear 82 will engage the arm I51 of single pole, double throw switch I58. Thereupon the next succeeding actuation of switch 22 serves to close the circuit, upon operation of solenoid 84, from line I85 through lead I88, switch I18, lead I81, switch I58, lead 204, switch I82, lead 208, relay coil I80 and leads 201, and 200 to line I88. The actuation of relay coil I80 serves to close double pole, single throw. switch I8I to by-pass coil I80 through line 208, and to close a circuit from line I85 to line 208, switch I8I, line 2I0, solenoid I84, and line 2I I, to line I88.

Actuation of the solenoid I34 pivots the arm I21 rearwardly against the actuation of spring I28, to pull'upon arm I25 associated with spring cylinder I28, and thereby pivot arm H8. The pivotal movement of arm II8 rotates the ratchet wheel II5 one-half step through the medium ofthat one of the pawls H1 and H8 which'is in the plate 21 through the medium of the rack 82 on said plate which meshes with said gear, so that the device is ready for recording of the first photograph in a new longitudinal row upon the film on the next operation of the shutter.

It will also be observed that, as arm I21 is pivcloses the circuit to solenoid H. *of solenoid 81' pulls on rod 88 to pivot arm-I04 the terminal connected with line 204. Hence, the parts are so arranged that upon the next operation of the control'switch 22, and solenoid 84. the circuit established will be as follows: Line I85, lead I88, switch I18, lead I81, switch I58, lead 204, switch I82, leads 205 and I88, switch I48, lead 2I2, solenoid 81', and lead 2I3, to line i 88. Operation of solenoid 81' closes the branch circuit from lead 2I3 through-lead 2| 4v switch I58, leads 2I5 and I88, relay coil I18, and lead 200, to line I88. Operation of coil I18 in turn The operation and thereby longitudinally shift the sleeve 81 on shaft 88 to the position illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein gear 88 meshes with gear 85.

' the cam projection I58 on said gear 82 away oted, the arm I 12 which projects therefrom en- T gages the projection I of normally closed switch I88 to open the same. At the same time, rod I88 engages the arm I 84 of svldtch I82 to reverse its position from that illustrated in'Fig. 8.

. The partial rotation of shaft I08 pivots the pawl I38 whose'nose I4I rides on the teeth of ratchet wheel II5 has moved, from the position illustrated in Fig. 5, one-half step in a clockwise direction, the pawl nose I will then rest upon the peak of the adjacent tooth of said wheel and the pawl I38 will be pivoted for engagement of Thus, assuming that the.

from the arm I51 of switch I58, whereupon, the switch I58 again assumes a position in en agement with the terminal connected with lead I88. It will also be observed that the pivotal movement of arm 14 has caused the arm I to engage the switch I82 and reset said switch in engagement with the terminal connected with lead 208. Ratchet wheel II5 remains stationary during the series of operations of the device required to complete the second longitudinal row of images, so that the pawl I88 will continue to hold the switch I43 in engagement with the terminal thereof connected with lead 2I2 until cam projection I58 of gear 82 again engages arm I51 of switch I58 to shift the same into engagement with the terminal thereof connected with lead 204 for the purpose of closing a circuit to solenoid I84, as will be understood- The electrical control of the device thus automatically'effects selective operation of the solenoids 8|, I34 and 81', upon successive actuations of the control switch 22 to shift the film step by step in the device in a path which defines a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal rows of images.

The solenoid 84 performs an important function in the device in addition to the operation of switch I18. Thus, on each operation of said solenoid 84, the lever 58- which is connected therewith is pivoted to cause its arm 82 to engage and pivot the arm 54 of rod 48 to lower the film engaging finger 52 against the action of spring 58. Thus, during movement of film 42 by the device, the finger is held spaced therefrom to avoid scratching of the film. When the solenoid 84 is deenergized, the spring 58 returns the finger 52 to operative film-engaging position. The finger 52 is positioned just outside of the area of the film upon' which the lens is focused-so that the finger does not interfere with the recording of the image. and at the same time serves to accurately space the film from the lens for focusing purposes, and to hold the portion of the film on which the lens is focused in true flat position pressed against'the backing sheet 48.

When a complete series of photographs has been recorded on the film, the operating hand Thus, since the gear 88 isrotated by gear 85 in a di-v with very little change.

I i 2,369,981 piece I45 rotates the shaft I, wherebythe cam surface engages and shiftsthe finger Ill to pivot the cam pawl II to inoperative disengaged relation to ,the ratchet wheel 68. The rotation of shaft I also causes the cam disc I 55 to engage the pawl I38 and shift it to inoperative posi-' tion relative to ratchet wheel H5. Likewise, the

rotation of the shaft I rotates the cam 148 to open the switch I54 and to shift the locking lever II to a position engaging and pivoting pawls I I1 and H8 outof engagement with the ratchet wheel II5. Thus, the manipulation of members 53' and I45 completely releases each of the operating and film-engaging parts of the device, whereby the discs 86 and H4 may be readily viewed through the opening I4, A filmholder '39 .having its backing sheet 43 removed is mounted in the film carriage 33, and is positioned with the proper or desired image of the film l2, in register with the lens system, by manipulating the discs 86' and Ill. It will be understood that the cam 53 will likewise be positioned to disengage the finger 52 from the film during the. operation of adjusting the film to proper reading position. Light bulb I9 is then energized and the selected image is projected on the screen. 7 r

In order to facilitate the location of individual images on film 42 for reading purposes, each of the indicating discs 88 and H4 is provided with film holder. These indicia also serve, when the device is used as a camera, to indicate the position of the film with'reference to the lens system, and hence the number of images which have been recorded on the film. I

Another embodiment of'the focusing or filmengaging portion of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. In this embodiment the bar 44 has a central circular opening in which is fixedly mounted av vertically extending cylindrical guide sleeve 22.. Acylindrical lens mount 22I is slidable within the sleeve 22' in a guided movement. The upper end of lens mount 22I is provided with a tubular projection 222 of rec-' tangular cross section. Projection!!! normally projects freely through the opening in plate 21 and the opening 3 in film holder, with its upper edge engagingwith the film 42 at the margin of the portion on which the micro image is to be recorded. Rod 4! is journaled in bearings II carried by and projectingdownwardly from the bottom of the bar 44 below the lower edge of the guide sleeve'22l. Rod 4! is bent perpendicularly at 22! and terminates in a yoke portion 22! which fits around the lens mount 22I.

A pair of vertically spaced pins 228- are carried.

arm 54 of rod 59 to lower yoke 224 and thereby lower the lens mount 22I and diseng e projection 22! from the film. This construction has the advantage that the film is engaged continuously around the area upon which the image is to be recorded to give assurance that the part of film on which the lens system is focused will be in true fiat condition. Also, the projection 222' serves to reduce the area of the fihn which is subject to exposure upon each shutter operation. This embodiment may be micrometically adjusted for accurate positioning of the portion 222 by operation of the micrometer 56 as in the preferred embodiment.

While it will be customary in the use of apparatus of this character for the user to standardize upon a given size of micro image to be recorded on the film 42, it is possible to vary that size within a wide range. For this purpose. ratchet wheels 68 and IIS are preferably removably mounted on the shafts 81 and I08, respectively, so that there may be substituted therefor other ratchet wheels having a greater or lesser number of teeth. Also, a plurality of discs or plates 46 may be provided, each having a different size opening #1.

I claim;

1. Microphoto apparatus comprising a housing, a lens system carried by said housing, a film carriage juxtaposed to said lens system and including a pair of relatively shiftable parts, a

pair 'of solenoids, means connecting each solenoid I with one of said parts and actuable step by step by said solenoid, a control circuit having a control switch and a plurality of selector switches controlled by said connecting means, said solenoids being connected in-said circuit in parallel. said selector switches controlling the selection of a single solenoid to b i energized upon each operation of the control switch and the sequence of operation of said solenoids upon successive operations of said control switch.

V 2. Microphoto apparatus comprising a housing, a lens system carried by said housing, a support shiftable in said housing, a rack carried by said support, a gear meshing with said rack, a film carrier shiftable on said support, a rack carried by said carrier, an elongated gear meshing with said'rack, a pair of mechanisms each rotating one of said gears a predetermined extent upon each operation thereof, a pair of solenoids for actuating said mechanisms, a control circuit including a control switch and a plurality of'selectoiswitches actuated by said mechanisms in a predetermined sequence, said solenoids being. connected in said circuit in parallel for operation of a selected one only upon each actuation of said control switch and accord ing to said predetermined sequence.

3. Microphotoapparatus comprising a housing, a lens system carried bysaid housing, a support shiftable in said housing, a rack on said support, a gear journaled in said housing and meshingwith said rack, a film carrier shiftahle on said support, a rack on said carrier, an elongated gear journaled in said housing and meshing with aid last-named rack, a pair of. actuators, a pair of-mechanisms each connecting an actuator with a gear and including a ratchet.

wheel-having a driving connection with agear and a pawl engaging said ratchet wheel and operable by an actuator, a controller, and means associated with said conttoller and controlled by said mechanisms inja predetermined sequence .for energizing one actuator only upon each operation of said controller;

4. Microphoto apparatus comprising a housing, a len system carried by said housing, a support shiftable in a fixed path in said housing, a film carrier shiftable in a fixed path on said support, apair of actuators, a mechanism connecting said carrier with one actuator and including direction-reversing, gearing, mechanism connecting said support with the other actuator and including a ratchet'wheel rotatable upon each actuation of said mechanism through an angle equal to one-half the angular displacement of the teeth of said wheel, a normally open control circuit, means in said circuit controlled by said mechanisms for selectively connecting said actuators in said circuit" in a predetermined sequence as said circuit is successively closed, a pivoted member engaging the toothed periphery of said wheel, and means in said circuit controlled by said pivoted member for controlling said direction-reversing gearing.

5.'Microphoto apparatus comprising a housing carrying a lens'mount, a film carriage shiftable in a plane adjacent one end of said lens mount, means for shifting said carriage step-by step in a reciprocating path, means for shifting said carriage step by step in one direction only 'the direction of. operation of said first shifting I means including a switch controlled by said sec- 0nd shifting means and interposed in said circuit between said first switch and first solenoid JAMES A. REYNIERS.

Patent N 0. 2,369,981 Granted February 20, 1945 JAMES A. REYNIERS The above entitled Jpatent was extended November 27, 1951, under the provisions of the act of une 30, 1950, for 292 days from the expiration of the original term thereof.

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